This Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo is a creamy delight that brings together tender shrimp, vibrant broccoli, and a rich Alfredo sauce. It’s comforting and satisfying all in one!
You can’t go wrong with this dish! It makes me feel like a chef, even if I just put it all together in one pan. Plus, who doesn’t love a little pasta magic? 🍝✨
What I enjoy most is how quickly it comes together. Just cook the shrimp, toss in the broccoli, mix the sauce, and serve—it’s that easy! Perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine works best for this dish, but you can switch it up with penne or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist. If gluten-free is your thing, try chickpea or brown rice pasta!
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect, but if you can only find medium or small, feel free to use those instead. For a swap, chicken or tofu also works great if you’re not into seafood.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best, but frozen ones can work too—just rinse and thaw them. You can also substitute with spinach or asparagus for a change in taste and color!
Bacon: While it adds wonderful flavor, you can leave it out if you want a lighter dish. Or, try turkey bacon or even pancetta for a different flavor. If you want to keep it vegetarian, just skip it altogether!
Cream and Cheese: Heavy cream gives that luxurious texture, but half-and-half or even whole milk can be used for a lighter version. For cheese, if you don’t have Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
How Can I Make Sure My Alfredo Sauce is Perfectly Creamy?
One key to a great Alfredo sauce is to keep the heat low once you add the cream and cheese. High heat may cause the sauce to separate or become grainy.
- Start by melting the butter and adding garlic until fragrant, then pour in the cream gradually.
- Whisk in the cheese slowly to ensure it melts smoothly without clumping.
- If the sauce seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a bit of your reserved pasta water. It helps thin it out while adding flavor.
Don’t forget to taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, or cheese to get it just right for your liking. Enjoy whipping up your creamy dish!
How to Make Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo
Ingredients You Will Need:
For the Dish:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 4 slices bacon, chopped (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish! You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep and cook the ingredients, and 20 minutes for everything to come together. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your fettuccine or linguine pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets to blanch them. Once done, drain the pasta and broccoli together, but remember to save about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later!
2. Cooking the Bacon (Optional):
If you’re using bacon, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Once it’s nice and crunchy, remove it from the skillet using a slotted spoon and set it aside. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the skillet; it’ll add great flavor to the dish!
3. Sautéing the Shrimp:
Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet (or use the bacon fat if you have it). Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Place the shrimp in the skillet and sauté them over medium-high heat until they’re pink and opaque, which should take about 2 minutes per side. Once cooked, take them out of the skillet and set aside.
4. Making the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for a minute, just until it’s fragrant. Now pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer.
5. Adding Cheese and Seasoning:
Reduce the heat and slowly whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste the sauce and season it with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a kick! If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add in some reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Combining Everything Together:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, shrimp, and bacon back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss everything together until well-coated, heating for an additional 1-2 minutes.
7. Serving:
Your Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo is ready! Plate it up and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve it warm and enjoy this creamy goodness!
Bon appétit! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp before using them. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or placing them in a sealed bag and submerging in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry before cooking for the best results.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. There are many great options available now that cook similarly to traditional pasta!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream or cashew cream for a creamy texture without the dairy!
